The Norman Fleet Event From the Bayeux Tapestry and More

The Bayeux Tapestry was successful in providing a document that illustrates the events that transpired before and during the 1066 Battle of Hastings. As with many tapestries depicting an important event, there are several questions pertaining to its content.

For example, during the part where Harold Godwinson talked to William the Conqueror, there is a panel on the right side of the tapestry historians claimed pertains to a sexual scandal during that day. That scandal, up until now, is still unknown, and historians said it could probably be a scandal that the weavers thought needed no explanations.

It couldn't have been insignificant since it was included in the Bayeux Tapestry, it was probably a well-known scandal during the time. Parts of that panel were already altered in present day replicas, specifically the part that features two naked men with their genitalia exposed. Personal emphasis, critics said, could have also distorted the work's accuracy.

However, while its accuracy is disputed and the many mysteries surrounding it is still being debated, nothing ever like it has documented the event so accurately.

The part where William had initiated the war is the most elaborate in the Bayeux Tapestry. It did, after all, involved several figures and details. When William learned that Harold was crowned as king, he felt as if he deserved the throne. William had knighted Harold previously, before they defeated Brittany's Conan II and Harold returned from Normandy.

Since William thought Harold is a traitor and a usurper, he organized a fleet of ships to be used for his conquest. The tapestry illustrated the Norman's preparation; woodmen shaped trees into planks while men used the planks to build a number of boats. Weapons and food were then taken to the boats.

The panel after that showed William and his fleet of ships crowding the sea. Aboard Mora, the ship his wife Queen Matilda (the one who supposedly commissioned the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry, although documents later dispelled that rumor) bought for him, William lead his armada. The Norman reached England in September 28th. From Pevensey, they rode towards Hastings, where the battle took place.

From that point, the tapestry illustrated the Battle of Hastings, showing each side preparations. The tapestries illustration of the Battle of Hasting is brutal, showing the violence in detail. Several dead bodies were splattered on the tapestries lower border. Several panels were devoted in illustrating the battle, including the death of Harold's two brothers and, ultimately, the death of Harold Godwinson.

The Bayeux Tapestry at this point shows the preparation of kingdoms when they embark to battles. This also shows that war started at the slightest provocation. When one judges the wall hanging, it is not clear how the war started, except that William may have seen Harold's coronation as an attempt to usurp him. With the Bayeux Tapestry, the littlest details in the lives and culture of the Europeans during the Middle Ages are known to people who lived later.

Alex Hanson writes about how The Bayeux Tapestry is undeniably the most well-known and elaborate work of art in tapestries known in existence. Bayeux Tapestries woven from The Battle of Hastings in 1066 is what The Bayeux Tapestry is all about, shown in detail from the original which is 230 feet long and 20 inches high, which includes 77 events. It's a remarkable and beautiful work of art.

by Alex Hanson